Eight in ten adults worry about safety and security of their ageing parents, study finds

More than eight in ten adults with ageing parents are worried about their welfare and security – but want them to retain independence, a study has found. A poll of 2,000 adults, with mums and dads over 70, found falls, scammers, and burglars are among their biggest concerns.

And 61 percent of adult children would like to ensure the safety and security of their elderly parents.

However, despite the desire to intervene, 46 percent fear doing so would make their parents feel like a burden.

Commissioned by smart home security company, Ring, the study found 24 percent try to speak to their elderly parents at least once a week – although 11 percent would check in more frequently if they could.

It also emerged 71 percent worry up to 10 times a week about how their elderly parents will cope with things around the house as they get older – as 12 percent said neither they nor their siblings live near their elderly parents.

Dave Ward, managing director of UK and international at Ring, said: “As our loved ones age, we want to look after their wellbeing and safety, while at the same respecting their autonomy and personal space.

“Embracing thoughtful and innovative technology solutions, like a video doorbell, can offer new ways to stay connected, and ensure the safety of our ageing family members – without intruding on their lives.”

The study also found 34 percent have experienced issues with their elderly parents that could have been avoided – with one in three saying their parent has suffered a fall with no-one nearby to help.

And 26 percent have expressed concern that their parents were not doing enough exercise.

More than a fifth (22 percent) said their elderly parents struggle to do their weekly shop, while 16 percent said their mum or dad weren’t leaving the house, and were relying on deliveries instead.

It also emerged that, despite half hoping their elderly parents would tell them if they were having issues due to their age, 32 percent don’t think they actually would.

As a result, three in ten respondents have considered using a smart home security solution to offer peace of mind.

And of those already using one, 35 percent said emergency call buttons are the most beneficial – followed by video doorbells (28 percent), and motion detection alerts (24 percent).

Meanwhile, two-thirds of those polled, via OnePoll.com, would feel reassured if they could check-in on their elderly parents through a home security system.

Jane Thompson, 55, from South East London, said: “My 88-year-old mum lives independently at home, and has always effectively taken care of her finances, household administration, and been aware of scammers.

“However, she has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Dementia, and unfortunately, earlier in the year, nearly fell foul to a cowboy builder who came to her front door.

“A video doorbell would have given me the peace of mind I needed during this time.”

And Laura Ingledew, a 32-year-old mum from Hartlepool, said: “I moved my nanna in with us after her health deteriorated. I work long hours, so to ensure she’s safe whilst I’m away from the home, I installed a video doorbell.

“The device means I get notifications when someone rings the bell, and I’ve shown her how to talk to the person on the other side of the door on the app if she is unsure of who they are and why they are there.”